Leh: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, hosted a special luncheon on June 24 in honour of His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Edzin Nurbu, as a mark of deep reverence and appreciation for his enduring contributions to Ladakh’s spiritual heritage and environmental consciousness.
The event was attended by the Chairman, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson; Executive Councillors Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Stanzin Chosphel, and Ghulam Mehdi; Leader of Opposition Councillor Tsering Namgyal; Councillors of LAHDC Leh; ADC Leh Ghulam Mohd(JKAS), ASP Rigzin Sangdup; Chief Planning Officer Tsewang Gyalson; Chief Controller of Finance Dr. Zulfikar Ali; DAHO Leh Dr. Tundup Namgail; Executive Engineers and other district officials. Also present were Vice President Anjuman Immamia Sheikh Nazir Ahmed Sharifi; Dr. Abdul Qayum, President, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam; Kunzes Dolma Jawo, President, LBA Women Wing; Nasreen Maryam, President, Women Wing of Anjuman Imamia; Aisha Malo, President, Women Wing of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam; President Christian Community Sumita Dana; BJP State President Phunchok Stanzin; District President INC Rigzin Namgyal; VP LBA kunzes Dolma; Youth Wing Presidents; Former Chief Executive Councillors Rigzin Spalbar and Gyal P Wangyal; Former MLA Tsering Samphel; Member Minority Commission; media persons, and other distinguished guests.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, followed by a musical tribute by Tundup Dorjey and Padma Dolker in honour of His Holiness.
In his keynote address, Chairman, CEC Tashi Gyalson extended a heartfelt thanks to His Holiness for visiting Leh and accepting the invitation.
He reflected on the close collaboration between His Holiness and LAHDC in championing environmental stewardship under the “Go Green Go Organic” initiative.
The CEC praised His Holiness’s vision and leadership, noting that over 20 lakh saplings have been planted in Ladakh under his guidance.
He reaffirmed the Sixth LAHDC’s commitment to sustainable development, highlighting efforts to promote renewable energy sources including geothermal, solar, and hydrogen, as well as a focus on carbon credit mechanisms.
A special book titled “The History of the Dard Aryans of Ladakh” authored by Thinles Norboo Konchok Standar was formally launched during the occasion.It has been published by DIPR Leh under the subsidy scheme of LAHDC Leh’s rTsom-rik Yarsket scheme.
As a token of appreciation, Hon’ble CEC, Hon’ble Executive Councillors and Councillors presented a traditional memento to His Holiness and expressed hope for many more visits in the future.They also conveyed best wishes for the continued success of His Holiness’s ongoing spiritual retreats and ecological missions.
In his address, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and acknowledged the Council’s proactive steps in protecting Ladakh’s fragile environment. He emphasised the importance of preserving water sources and maintaining ecological balance. Warning of the decline in bird species and the harmful effects of chemicals, he urged a collective return to organic living and sustainable practices.
The programme concluded with another musical offering and a formal vote of thanks, closing an afternoon marked by warmth, reverence, and a shared vision for a greener, spiritually grounded Ladakh.
